How to Grow Begonias

Begonias bring vibrant color and versatility to any garden, with countless varieties suited to different spaces and styles. Whether you’re after lush foliage or striking blooms, begonias offer long-lasting interest from summer into autumn. This guide covers everything you need to know to select, grow, and care for these reliable, eye-catching plants.

Choosing the Right Begonias

There are two main types commonly grown in gardens:

1. Fibrous-Rooted Begonias (Begonia semperflorens):
   Often grown as annuals, these are ideal for flower beds, containers, and window boxes. Their neat, upright growth and fleshy leaves create uniform, colorful displays all summer. Look for dark bronze-leaved varieties for extra contrast against green-leaved types.
   Buy Fibrous-Rooted Begonias on Amazon
2. Tuberous Begonias (Begonia x tuberhybrida):
   These bold bloomers produce large, showy flowers that add drama and elegance. Upright forms work well in pots, while trailing types spill beautifully from baskets and window boxes. Tuberous begonias prefer partial shade and are perfect for brightening shady spots.
   Buy Tuberous Begonias on Amazon

Where to Plant Begonias

Begonias thrive in both sun and shade, making them incredibly adaptable. Tuberous varieties, however, benefit from some protection from intense sun and wind due to their delicate stems.

• Beds and Borders:
  Use fibrous-rooted types like ‘Organdy Mixed’ or ‘Sun Shade Mix’ to create dense, colorful carpets. They also work well in mixed containers.
• Containers, Hanging Baskets, and Window Boxes:
  Choose trailing tuberous types such as ‘Apricot Shades Improved’ or ‘Waterfalls Bicolour’ for cascading displays. Upright varieties like ‘Non-Stop Mixed’ stand out in standalone patio pots.

Starting from Plug Plants

Plug plants are an easy and reliable way to get begonias going. Here’s how:

1. Pot them into 7.5cm (3″) pots with free-draining compost.
2. Grow in bright, frost-free conditions—like a greenhouse, sunny windowsill, or conservatory.
3. Once the plants have grown, transplant them into their final containers.

For more information on starting plants from plugs, check out this guide on growing plants.

Planting Tuberous Begonias

Tubers grow into larger plants more quickly than seeds or plugs. Start them early for the best results:

1. From February onward, place tubers on the surface of moist, well-drained compost—no deeper than 2cm, with the indented side facing up.
2. Keep them in a warm, bright, frost-free space.
3. Transplant once growth is established and the plants are large enough.

Sowing Begonia Seeds

Growing from seed is cost-effective, though it takes time and care:

1. Sow seeds on moist seed compost between mid-January and mid-March. Do not cover them—light aids germination.
2. Maintain temperatures of 24–27°C (75–80°F) in a propagator or warm area.
3. Germination can take 15–60 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into 7.5cm pots and continue growing in bright, frost-free conditions.

Caring for Your Begonias

• Harden Off Gradually:
  After the last frost, acclimate young plants by placing them outdoors for 7–10 days before planting them out.
• Water Consistently:
  Keep soil evenly moist, especially in hot weather. Hanging baskets may need daily watering in summer.
• Feed Weekly:
  Use a liquid fertilizer throughout the growing season, or apply a slow-release fertilizer when transplanting.

Overwintering Tuberous Begonias

You can easily store tuberous begonias for reuse next season:

1. Stop feeding by late August and gradually reduce watering.
2. Once frost blackens the foliage, cut back stems and lift the tubers.
3. Dry them for about a week in a frost-free, well-ventilated space.
4. Store in trays of dry peat or sand, or loosely wrapped in paper. Keep in a cool, dry place.
5. Check occasionally and discard any rotting tubers.

In spring, pot up the stored tubers to begin the cycle again.

Final Thoughts

Begonias are low-maintenance, long-flowering plants that bring color and texture to beds, borders, patios, and indoor spaces. With so many beautiful varieties available, there’s a begonia for every gardener. Explore our collection of begonia tubers and plants, or try growing your own from seed or plugs—and enjoy months of vibrant blooms.

For more guidance on house plants and gardening, visit Olivia’s Garden House Plants, check out DIY gardening projects at Olivia’s Garden DIY Projects, or learn more about Chicken Care to complete your gardening journey.

For more tips, visit our dedicated begonia growing hub.